Right now we are in the midst of the holiday season.You may be caught up in the frenzy of shopping, going to social events, getting your holiday cards in the mail, traveling, or the endless planning, cooking and baking that is accustom for this time of the year.After the New Year has come and all of the decorations are finally put away, many people experience a post holiday letdown, possibly even strong enough to be a depression.In fact, studies show that as many as 25% of people suffer from a mild to moderate depression after the holidays.The extra support you may have felt from friends and family during the holidays is gone as people return to their usual lives.The focus and attention on others shifts to you and your usual life again and this may bring feelings of unhappiness and stress.Or, perhaps expectations of the holiday season weren’t realized.If you are one of the many who experience the post holiday blues, here are some tips to help you get through it:

·Shift your focus on a new activity or hobby for the winter months

·Invite friends for dinner or a game night

·Volunteer or participate in a service project to help others

·Initiate with friends to go out and do something fun or new

·Spend some time with family or friends reflecting on the holiday season

·Replace holiday decorations with fresh flowers or plants

·Set resolutions or goals and make a plan to accomplish them, being gentle with yourself in the process

If you know that you tend to experience a big letdown after the holiday season, have a plan in place for what you will do.This will go a long way in helping you avoid post holiday depression.Remember to continue attending therapy appointments and support groups. Or, maybe it is time to seek professional help to change this pattern.